Wake up device for communications system and methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention teaches a communications system comprising a first communications device for receiving data and a wake up signal. The first communications device comprises an active mode of operation and a sleep mode of operation for reducing power consumption. Further, the system comprises means for switching the first communications device to and from sleep mode in response to receiving the wake up signal. Further, the system comprises a second communications device for transmitting data to the first device during its active mode, while transmitting the wake up signal to the first device during its sleep mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of and claims priority to co-pending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/843,636, filed Aug. 22, 2007 by Robert R. Rotzoll, entitled “Wake up Device for Communications System and entitled Methods”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/598,241, filed Nov. 9, 2006, by Robert R. Rotzoll, entitled “Wake Up Device for a Communications System”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/869,508, filed Jun. 15, 2004, by Robert R. Rotzoll, entitled “Wake Up Device for a Communications System”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,838, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/899,370, filed Jul. 2, 2001, by Robert R. Rotzoll, entitled “Wake Up Device for a Communications System”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,578, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/129,258, filed Aug. 4, 1998, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/424,827, filed Apr. 19, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,946, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/092,147, filed Jul. 15, 1993, now abandoned, each of the foregoing incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/843,367, filed Aug. 22, 2007 by Robert R. Rotzoll, entitled “Wake up Device Communications System”, now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to a communication system. More particularly, the invention pertains to a multi-mode communications system.

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been increased research and development with respect to Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) device tags. These RFID tags essentially comprise small radio transceivers attached to a movable object. By coupling an RFID tag to an object, it has been the intent of developers of creating a system for tracking the whereabouts and identification of the object.

Several RFID systems have been developed. Generally, these designs have been relatively large in size—approximately cigarette package—and have been generally fabricated using hybrid circuit techniques. Besides their bulky size, the systems require the RFID tag to constantly remain activated.

Recently, there have been several breakthroughs in techniques in the design and manufacture of RFID tags. Examples of these include “Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) and Method of Manufacture, Including an Electrical Operating System and Method,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/899,777, filed on Jun. 17, 1992, now abandoned; “Anti-Theft Method for Detecting The Unauthorized Opening of Containers and Baggage,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/921,037, Jul. 24, 1992, now abandoned; “Electrically Powered Postage Stamp or Mailing or Shipping Label Operative with Radio Frequency (RF) Communications,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/928,899, filed on Aug. 12, 1992; now abandoned; and “Modulated Spread Spectrum in RF Identification Systems Method,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/032,384, filed on Mar. 17, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,775, all commonly assigned to Micron Semiconductor, Incorporated, and all incorporated herein by reference.

It has been thus a design criteria that these RFID tags be light weight and inexpensive. However, these systems previously have not addressed the need of low power consumption. Presently, RFID tags must be active to detect their location, as well as additional information. As such, there is a need to develop a RFID tag communications system having an active mode for receiving/transmitting data and a sleep mode for reducing power consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a method of tracking an item of inventory comprised of a radio frequency device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning an interrogation apparatus in a first region, the interrogation apparatus comprising a transceiver communicatively coupled to an antenna, the interrogator unit being configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals, interrogating the item of inventory by transmitting via the transceiver an RF signal, causing a transitioning to a first mode by the radio frequency device when the radio frequency device determines that the RF signal is at a first frequency and a first data rate, causing a transitioning to a second mode by the radio frequency device when the radio frequency device determines that the RF signal is at a second frequency and a second data rate and tracking the item of inventory using at least the acts of interrogating and transitioning. The radio frequency device is configured to remain in the first mode until transitioning into the second mode upon receipt of the RF signal at the second frequency and the second data rate and is further configured to remain in the second mode until transitioning into the first mode upon receipt of the RF signal at the first frequency and the first data rate.

In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises tagging the item with a radio frequency device, placing the radio frequency device in a first mode of operation, transitioning the radio frequency device into a second mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a second frequency and having a second bandwidth parameter, tracking the item of inventory and transitioning the radio frequency device back into the first mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a first frequency and having a first bandwidth parameter.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the method comprises causing the radio frequency device to transition into a first mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a first frequency and having a first envelope attribute and causing the radio frequency device to transition into a second mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a second frequency and a second envelope attribute. The item of inventory is tracked in one of said first or second modes of operation.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method of transitioning between modes is disclosed.

In a third aspect of the invention, a system to track a radio frequency device is disclosed.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is disclosed.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, an interrogation apparatus is disclosed.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, a radio frequency device is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a high level architecture of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a wake up device for a communications system is illustrated. As shown, the system comprises a first and second communications devices; a transmitter 10 and a receiver 12. Transmitter 10 is coupled to antenna 5 in order to properly transmit data and a wake up signal to receiver 12. Receiver 12 comprises a wake up receiver 20 and a master receiver 25, which are both coupled to antenna 15. Further, receiver 12 comprises a switch, which enables the substantial energy savings. It should be noted that the issue of energy saving with respect to transmitter 10 is not important as it is not coupled to an RFID tag; unlike is receiver 12 in the preferred embodiment.

To accomplish these energy savings, master receiver 25 comprises at least two modes of operation. In the preferred embodiment, the first mode is referred to as an active mode of operation and the second mode referred to as a sleep mode. Further, wake up receiver 20 requires substantially less power for its operation than master receiver 25.

In the active mode of operations, master receiver 25 functions as a traditional receiver, capable of receiving data transmitted by transmitter 10. By contrast, in order to reduce power consumption during periods of inactivity, master receiver 25 comprises a sleep mode. During sleep mode, master receiver 25 utilizes a minimal amount of energy for biasing purposes. Thus, by utilizing this design scheme, a substantial power savings from receiver 12 can be achieved, which directly corresponds to the life expectancy of battery powered receiver 12. For example, in one receiver design, a 98% power savings has been observed.

Coupled between master receiver 25 and wake up receiver 20, is switch 30. Switch 30 switches master receiver 25 between its mode of operation—i.e., active to sleep mode, as well as sleep mode to active mode—in response to the arrival of a wake up signal. As such, transmitter 10 transmits a wake up signal to receiver 12, which is ultimately received by wake up receiver 20. Upon detecting the wake up signal, a mode change signal is generated to switch 30. Accordingly, switch 30 changes the mode of operation of master receiver.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, switch 30 only switches master receiver 25 from sleep mode to active mode. Here, upon receiving wake up signal, wake up receiver 20 generates a mode change signal to switch 30. In response, switch 30 senses the mode of operation of master receiver 25. Thus, switch 30 switches master receiver to active mode upon sensing master receiver 25 as being in sleep mode. Contrarily, switch 30 is inactive upon sensing master receiver 25 as being in an active mode of operation. In this embodiment, master receiver 25 further comprises a timing scheme which switches master receiver from active mode to sleep mode. This timing scheme is enabled when a predetermined period passes in master receiver 25 without receiving any data from transmitter 10. The length of the period is dependent on several design criteria including the system's application and environment, as well as the desired probabilities of error. In a further embodiment of the present invention, switch 30, low power receiver 20 and master receiver 25 are all positioned on a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag.

Referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart illustrating the method for reducing the consumption of energy in operating a communications system of the present invention employing the architecture described herein. Initially, a wake up signal is transmitted by transmitter 10, and subsequently, the wake up signal is detected by wake up receiver 20. Finally, the mode of operation of the master receiver 25 is changed in response to the detection of the wake up signal

In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of detecting the wake up signal, itself, comprises a series of steps. First, a predetermined frequency is detected from the wake up signal. In the event that that frequency is found, a predetermined data rate is detected from the wake up signal If that frequency is not found, master receiver 25 is kept asleep. In the event that data rate of transmission of a certain number of bits per second is found, an output signal is generated. If that data rate of transmission is not found, master receiver 25 is kept asleep. This step of generating an output signal further comprises the step of comparing the output signal with a reference voltage. By doing so, switch 30 is enabled upon detecting a predetermined frequency and a predetermined data rate of transmission and master receiver 25 is woken.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In order to receive a wake up signal, an antenna 50 is coupled with a frequency detector, realized by a first bandpass filter 55 having a bandwidth and a radio frequency (‘RF”) output First bandpass filter 55, operating in tandem with antenna 59, detects the frequency of the wake up signal. To avert the detection of noise as a wake up signal, the bandwidth of first bandpass filter 55 is substantially narrow. Nonetheless, in the preferred embodiment, first bandpass filter 55 must detect a predetermined frequency and a related harmonic.

While the present invention utilizes a narrow bandpass scheme for frequency detection, it should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the frequency detector can be realized using alternate hardware. For example, in place of a narrow bandpass filter, a generalized filter having an output coupled directly with a comparator would achieve the identical functional purpose were the comparator also fed a frequency reference or source. Another example would be a resonator circuit

Coupled to bandpass filter 55 is an envelope detector 60. Upon receiving the RF bandpass output from filter 55, envelope detector 60 demodulates the RF bandpass output into a first Base Band (“BB”) signal. Envelope detector 60 achieves this objective in two steps. However, it should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the functional objective of envelope detector 60 can be realized by alternate means. Initially, envelope detector 60 rectifies the RF bandpass output by means of a rectifier. Subsequently, a low pass filter is employed for filtering the rectified RF bandpass output and forming the first BB signal.

Once the frequency of the wake up signal has been detected, the present invention employs a data rate detector for detecting the rate of data transmission of the incoming signal, which thereby rejects out of data rate signals. As such, this design employs two means for assessing two characteristics of the incoming signal. Thus, by this approach, noise and/or other sources will not falsely trigger the master receiver into waking up.

The data rate detector can be realized by a second bandpass filter 70 having a second bandwidth and a second BB signal as its output. To avert the detection of noise as a wake up signal, the second bandwidth of bandpass filter 55 is substantially narrow bandwidth. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second bandwidth is substantially narrower than the first bandwidth of the first bandpass filter. However, in the preferred embodiment, the second bandwidth need only detect a singular frequency without any harmonics.

While the present invention utilizes the herein described means for data rate detection, it should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the data rate detector can be realized using alternate hardware. For example, a comparator scheme or resonator circuit could be employed. Further, digital circuitry could also be used to accomplish the same purpose as the data detector described herein.

Further, coupled with second bandpass filter 70 is a second envelope detector 75. In order to detect the data rate of incoming signal and ascertain whether it is the wake up signal. second envelope detector 75 generates an output signal corresponding to BB signal input received from second bandpass filter 70 by demodulating the BB signal input. Second envelope detector 75 achieves this objective in two steps. However, it should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the functional objective of second envelope detector 75 can be realized by alternate means. Initially, envelope detector 75 rectifies the BB input signal second bandpass filter 70 by means of a rectifier. Subsequently, a low pass filter is employed for filtering the rectified BB signal input. As a result of this architecture, second envelope detector 75 generates an upward ramped step or a downward ramped step output signal.

Coupled to second envelope detector 75 is a comparator 80. Comparator 80 is employed to compare the output signal of second envelope detector 75 with a voltage reference. By this arrangement, comparator 80 triggers an internal wake up.sub.1 signal. Wake up. sub. 1 signal is subsequently fed into control logic 85, which is coupled with a data processor 90, for waking up the master receiver 25.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a second data rate detector is utilized. Second data rate detector, being coupled to the frequency detector, receives the first BB signal generated by the first envelope detector 60. The second data rate detector can be designed in an identical fashion as the first data detector described herein.

By this arrangement, comparator 80′ triggers an internal wake up.sub.2 signal which is input into control logic 85, which is coupled with a data processor 90, for waking up the master receiver 25. By employing two data rate detectors, the wake up receiver can switch the data rate to be detected from the wake up signal. Here, switching logic 85 in combination with data processor 90 recognize the data rate to be detected from the wake up signal. Subsequently, when a change is necessary, a second data rate is selected as being the data rate to be detected from the wake up signal for the purposes of waking master receiver 25.

Moreover, this two data rate detector scheme can also be employed for the purpose of enabling the wake up receiver to switch modes of operation—i.e., sleep mode and active mode—as described hereinabove. Thus, when a first data rate is received, master receiver 25 is to be woken in to active mode, while master receiver 25 is to be put into sleep mode when a second data rate is received.

In a further alternate embodiment of the present invention, a mixer 65 is employed. Mixer 65 is coupled between first envelope detector 60 and second bandpass filter 70. Mixer 65 is used to provide a means for frequency translating the RF bandpass output. The extent of the translation performed by mixer 65 corresponds to the local oscillator. The local oscillator, having a clock rate of f.sub.1 provides a reference oscillating signal to the mixer 65.

Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The architecture disclosed here is further development of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 3. Here, three data rate detectors are employed. Third data rate detector, being coupled to the frequency detector, receives the first BB signal generated by a first envelope detector 110. The third data rate detector can be designed in an identical fashion as the first and second data detectors described herein.

By this arrangement, comparator 130″ triggers an internal wake up.sub.x signal which is input into control logic 135, which is coupled with a data processor 140, for waking up the master receiver 25. By employing three data rate detectors, the wake up receiver can switch the data rate to be detected from the wake up signal. Here, switching logic 135 in combination with data processor 140 recognize the data rate to be detected from the wake up signal. Subsequently, when a change is necessary. a third data rate is selected as being the data rate to be detected from the wake up signal for the purposes of waking master receiver 25.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a modulation detector (not shown) is further incorporated for detecting a modulation scheme. In this embodiment, the wake up signal must also comprise a modulation format or formats. As such, the modulation detector can detect a modulation scheme selected from the group including at least amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, amplitude shift key modulation, phase shift key modulation, frequency shift key modulation, and multiphase frequency shift key modulation. The modulation detector can be realized by a variety of designs known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, upon receiving the wake up signal; the modulation detector detects the format of the wake up signal and responds accordingly.

All of the U.S. patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety.

In compliance with the statute, the subject matter disclosed herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise example embodiments. The claims are thus to be afforded full scope as literally worded, and to be appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

1.-5. (canceled)
 6. A method of tracking an item of inventory comprised of a radio frequency device, the method comprising: positioning an interrogation apparatus in a first region, the interrogation apparatus comprising a transceiver communicatively coupled to an antenna, the interrogator unit being configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals; interrogating the item of inventory by transmitting via the transceiver an RF signal; causing a transitioning to a first mode by the radio frequency device when the radio frequency device determines that the RF signal is at a first frequency and a first data rate; causing a transitioning to a second mode by the radio frequency device when the radio frequency device determines that the RF signal is at a second frequency and a second data rate; and tracking the item of inventory using at least the acts of interrogating and transitioning; wherein the radio frequency device is configured to remain in the first mode until transitioning into the second mode upon receipt of the RF signal at the second frequency and the second data rate; and wherein the radio frequency device is configured to remain in the second mode until transitioning into the first mode upon receipt of the RF signal at the first frequency and the first data rate.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the radio frequency device is configured to determine a frequency and a data rate of the RF signal via one or more bandpass filters and one or more envelope detectors.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the radio frequency device is configured to consumes less power in the first mode than in the second mode.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the first mode comprises an operating state in which the radio frequency device requires more power than an operating state of the second mode.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the use of both frequency and data rate for determining mode of operation mitigates false triggers.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein the radio frequency device comprises a data rate detection circuit.
 12. The method of claim 6, wherein the first frequency is substantially equivalent to the second frequency, while the first data rate is substantially different than the second data rate.
 13. A method of tracking an item of inventory comprised of a radio frequency device, the method comprising: tagging the item with a radio frequency device; placing the radio frequency device in a first mode of operation; transitioning the radio frequency device into a second mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a second frequency and having a second bandwidth parameter; tracking the item of inventory; and transitioning the radio frequency device back into the first mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a first frequency and having a first bandwidth parameter.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the radio frequency device is configured to determine a frequency and a bandwidth parameter of the first RF signal via one or more bandpass filters and one or more envelope detectors.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the RF signal comprises a singular frequency signal provided on a radio frequency (RF) carrier.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising modulating data onto the RF carrier via a shift keying technique.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: transmitting data to the radio frequency device subsequent to transmission of the first RF signal; and causing the radio frequency device to store the data in a memory.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: causing the radio frequency device to retrieve an identification number from a memory and transmit the identification number.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the identification number is modulated on a carrier via a shift keying technique.
 20. A method of tracking an item of inventory, the item having a radio frequency device associated therewith, the method comprising: causing the radio frequency device to transition into a first mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a first frequency and having a first envelope attribute; and causing the radio frequency device to transition into a second mode of operation by transmitting an RF signal at a second frequency and a second envelope attribute; wherein the item of inventory is tracked in one of said first or second modes of operation.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the radio frequency device consumes less power in the first mode of operation than in the second mode of operation.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the radio frequency device remains in the first mode of operation, until transitioning into the second mode of operation upon receipt of the RF signal at the second frequency and the second envelope attribute.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the radio frequency device remains in the second mode of operation, until transitioning into the first mode of operation upon receipt of an RF signal at the first frequency and having the first envelope attribute.
 24. The method of claim 20, further comprising: receiving an identification number from the radio frequency device when said RFID tag is in the second mode of operation.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the identification number is modulated on a carrier via a shift keying technique. 